Page 84 of Dangerous Encore

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7

Bella

Iwrapmy arms around Joel'swaist.

I rest my head on hischest.

My inhale isshallow.

My exhale isheavy.

I can't look atthetime.

I can't look atthetest.

I can't do anything but breathe in myhusband.

He runs his fingers up and down my spine. The soft fabric of my tank top brushes againstmyskin.

His touch is thick withaffection.

I love Joel more than anything, and I trust him with my life, but I can't helpwondering—

Will he feel the same if I'mpregnant?

IfI'mnot?

If I want to havethiskid?

If Idon't?

I hold him tighter. I suck in another shallow breath. I'm better at hearing my inner voice now, but it's still a struggle witheveryoneelse.

Joel is still the one person who reallygetsme.

I don't have to be someone elsewithhim.

I don't have to pretendI'mokay.

I can justbeme.

If Ilostthat…

"You're shaking," hewhispers.

"Iknow."

"You'rescared."

"That you'll think differentlyofme."

"I couldn't, angel. You're fucking everythingtome."

I nod into his chest. I slide my hands under his t-shirt and press my palms against his skin. God,he'swarm.

And hesmellsgood.

I want him. I want his tongue in my mouth, his body against mine, his touch erasing every thought inmyhead.

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